Finding Glimmers in the Cracks
The New Year approaches. Let's release expectations, embrace what broke open
Friends,
It is that time when all of the year-end reviews begin. I look at the best books lists and often share my picks, but that’s about it for me.
In the culture of resolutions, there’s too much emphasis on doing or being more. That was the catalyst for my starting Journey With The Seasons a year ago. In my first post, I wrote:
‘Each year, our larger culture tells us to make resolutions—to change some part of ourselves that isn’t quite good enough. We need to lose weight, get organized, be better in some external way. Grind culture tells us that we should be working harder and all of the time.
What if instead of making an outer change, we set an intention to pay attention to what is giving us energy, what’s lifting our spirits—and do more of that?’
As we come to the close of 2023, let’s notice those inner changes: glimmers, joy, hope, growth.
This past year, a lot of things in my outer world broke apart.
Change is an invitation to know our shadows, to bring our unconscious fears and yearnings into the light. I talk to mine all of the time. When things in the outer world shift, it’s an opportunity for inner shifting. Here are just a few examples of outer/inner world changes for me from 2023:
I started out the year thinking I had a framework for my memoir in progress about healing from illness, grief and connecting to my ancestors. Then I took a writing workshop last summer that opened me to a different, speculative kind of storytelling. Time to begin the draft again.
I had spent the last two years writing personal essays–when suddenly, a deep desire and call to write poetry again after almost thirty years came back to me. I’m writing poetry again now.
I started the year in a job that I found satisfying but when another professional opportunity that focuses on creativity & spiritual growth appeared, my whole being–body & soul–felt electrified at the possibility. (I am so happy to be in that new position now).
All of those changes involved different kinds of letting go of expectations and control. As we close the year, I’m thinking that glimmers can and do come to us through the cracks that break us open. (Pssst: that’s the theme of my next writing circle!)
Let’s release our expectations around things that didn’t happen and notice the growth and depth that we’ve discovered over these last twelve months.
Let’s write together. Tell me what you find.
Writing Practice: Set aside 5-7 minutes for this practice. Write in a journal or open a ‘Journey with The Season’ document where you can return each Sunday.
Prompt: If you’re able, give yourself 15-30 minutes of quiet, contemplative time anytime before January 1st. You might want to light a candle before you write, make some tea and take some deep breaths.
Consider:
What gave me energy in 2023? What lifted my spirit? What challenged me to break through old beliefs? Who showed up to support me? How did I show up for myself?
When you finish writing, please feel free to share with me (gabriellekm@gmail.com) or leave in the comments or put on an altar or read to a beloved (that includes cats and dogs and trees).
You are amazing and held in love.
Deepening Practice: Keep breathing. New Year’s time can activate a lot in us.
Friends, I’m creating new themes and prompts to take us into 2024 and invite your ideas! I have a real quick feedback form (3 questions!) and would appreciate your response. Thanks to everyone who has completed it!
Folks who respond will be entered into a drawing for a creativity coaching session with me. Thank you!
ONE MORE THING! Which cover image for Journey With the Seasons resonates with you? I’m updating for the new year and it’s between these two images.
Sending you love, light & many glimmers, Gabrielle Ariella